that may include tapping america's strategic oil reserve to help bring down prices. >> we're looking at the options. the issue of the reserves is one we're considering. it is something that only is done and has been done on very rare occasions. >> reporter: pump prices are topping $4 in some areas. we've all seen the cause. the unrest and upheaval rippling through libya and the middle east. we're all feeling the effects. that steady surge at the pump. it's threatening to increase the cost of everything, from food to air travel. and that's bad news for the economy. the last time prices spiked like this, the answer seemed simple. >> drill, baby, drill. >> reporter: but even drilling proponents realize energy is a long term problem. >> i'm buying an electric car tomorrow and that's going to give me the patriotic pleasure of plugging in and not sending money overseas to people trying to blow us up. >> reporter: rising prices and anxiety that go far beyond the pumps. brian mooar, nbc news, washington. >>> in libya, a tug of war is under way over several towns in a battle between oppositio